https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVFV6WPpUX8
Our main objective when practicing this piece was to obviously perform it the best we could but to also add our own unique twists to it, so it isn't uniformed copy of the original. I think we successfully achieved that in numerous ways and this is what improved our creatively thinking skills. First of all, in the chorus, instead of using the 2 part harmony performed in the original song, we decided to include 3rd lower harmony for additional texture and variation. The normal melody was performed by Miray and myself, the higher harmony was conducted by Asli and Almira and finally our additional third lower harmony was carried out by Maria and Leen. This was a very interesting and successful choice for the chorus as it contrasts the first verse where we sang in unison. This is general makes the piece for captivating for the audience as we are gradually adding on layers, it adds a sensation of expectancy for more.
Another thing that drew a distinct line between the original piece and our version, was the structure. We didn't incorporate the bridge from the original song but instead we used Haeun's flute solo as the bridge, as a break from the singing and to transition us into our final, strong chorus. The flute solo was accompanied by the piano playing in the piano dynamic, to ensure that it doesn't overpower the flute but instead blends in harmony. Subho repeats the same chords he played for the introduction for connectivity between the chorus to the bridge. As we transitioned from the chorus into the bridge, there are only a few layers, so it portrays an interesting contrast as right after is the final chorus, where there are thick textures.
Thirdly, our version of 'Adiemus' differentiates from the original with our use of dynamics, as mentioned briefly in the previous paragraph. The gradually changing dynamics are what spark interest into the piece and keep the audience intrigued. When we moved from the bridge to the final chorus, there was a slow increase in the dynamics (volume) to forte, this gave the piece an energising illusion. While in the original piece the flute solo is played in the mezzo forte dynamic. Also the dynamics of the piano in general altered throughout the entire piece, the volume gradually increased and then it dropped to piano for the flute solo and then there was crescendo to mezzo forte for the final chorus.
In regards to the approaches to learning, we have developed a number of skills, except for our music technology skills. Firstly, as a cohesive group, we have developed our organisational skills. We have developed these skills, as we collaboratively arranged our piece in a way to ensure it still sounds good but in the process adding our additional twists. We demonstrated high understanding of these skills as we, by ourselves coordinated with each other and formed this piece. We had many aspects to consider (dynamics, placement of instruments, harmonies, timing, structure of the piece, etc.) and i think we done it successfully.
Additionally, our affective skills were the best developed. This is because throughout the entire course of these few weeks, we sensibly practiced our piece and always stayed on task. We have demonstrated these mindful skills as you can see from each of the weekly reflection that we have progressed further and achieved something new. Once in a while, a few outside member that weren't part of the winter concert group would come to us and try to distract us, but we were very responsible and handled these situations well, as we kindly conveyed to them that we needed to get on with our work. I was very happy working with these group of people as we all concentrated on the task and tried to do our best during the course of these few weeks. A strategy that we used to improve our affective skills, was that we decided to improve on one aspect each lesson. So if we needed to work on the intonations in the harmonies, that would be the main objective for the next lesson. We didnt]'t want any obstacles to come in the way of a good performance so this strategy really helped and also demonstrated our resilience.
Thirdly, as an individual I think I have also improved my reflection skills. In the first week, when I wrote my reflection, it was very brief. It included only what we did the whole lesson, nothing about improvements for a better piece, obstacles or the progression of any developing skills. I realised the vagueness of my first reflection when I was writing my second reflection. I worked very hard to make this reflection detailed. I tried to cover all the details that a reflection should include. I included what we did, what we successfully progressed in, gave regards to the 8 elements of music (this was something that not everybody included, so I am happy that I was able to achieve this), and in the conclusion, i gave improvements for next time and overall perspective of the lesson.
In conclusion, I think for a very small group we have achieved a good version of 'Adiemus' since for the original song they used a very large orchestra. Although we did do well ,there are always certain aspects that can be improved on. One of these aspects are the dynamics of our voices, some people are louder than eachother, so it ruins the smooth feel of the voices. We need to all practice singing in the same volume as this will sound more united. In relation to me, I think I should sing a little bit louder because in the chorus, the normal melody get washed out by the corresponding harmonies. Overall, I think it has been a wonderful few weeks learning this song, it was very different song from all the choir songs we've performed so it was definitely a new experience for me and a very intriguing one.
